Chiefs master fading Bulls
The Chiefs picked up their third win with an impressive 43-27 result over the Bulls in Rotorua.
Last Updated: 22/03/08 9:44am
The Chiefs picked up their third win with an impressive 43-27 result over the Bulls in Rotorua on Saturday.
In what was an entertaining match, the hosts outscored the defending champions by six tries to three - not bad going for two teams lodged at the bottom half of the standings.
It was a big improvement from the Chiefs following their loss last week, with the home side running circles around an out-of-sorts Bulls defence to notch up their first four-try bonus point of the season.
The Chiefs looked head and shoulders ahead of a Bulls side that is a shadow of the one that beat the Sharks in last year's final and can now kiss their Super 14 trophy goodbye.
Opening try
However it was the defending champions that raced to an early lead after Springbok centre Wynand Olivier finally came right and dotted down for the opening try of the match in the fourteenth minute.
A rare mistake by Sione Lauaki saw the big number eight spill the ball forward and Olivier too full advantage by speeding 20 metres for his first touch down of the year.
Derick Hougaard nailed the conversion with ease, followed shortly by a penalty as the Bulls opened up a handy 10-0 advantage.
Hooker Derrick Kuün blew his chance to extend the lead after knocking the ball on once over the Chiefs' tryline, a mistake which ultimatelly proved costly as the home side scored twice before the break to take a slender 12-10 lead.
The first touchdown coming off a chip and chase from Lauaki, who gathered tremendously well before offloading to the supporting Brendon Leonard for a try near the posts.
Donald missed the ensuing conversion, but would make up for the one miss by kicking every other goal of the match (6 from 7) which would have given him a much needed confidence boost after his woeful campaign with the boot.
Callum Bruce was fortunate to be awarded the second. It had appeared the Bulls had managed to knock the ball from his hands, but referee James Leckie was right on the spot and awarded the try. The replay proved otherwise.
Firing
The Chiefs came out firing early in the second half and opened up a 36-13 lead that looked to have sealed the match.
Leonard, who is shaping as the number one contender for the All Black number nine jersey, crossed the line for his second try of the night when he bustled through three defenders after taking a quick tap penalty.
Hougaard was successful with a neatly taken drop-goal, though, it was perhaps the wrong option when the Bulls were trailing by twelve points.
Bruce's partner in crime Dwayne Sweeney then extended the lead when he dived over in the right and winger Lelia Masaga showed his lightning speed down the same touchline to cross for the Chiefs' fifth try.
The Bulls finally decided to wake from their slumber midway through the second half - flanker Deon Stegman barging his over from close range to make it 36-20, followed by a moment of brilliance from wing Akona Ndungane that made things interesting.
A seemingly aimless kick to the left wing was put up, then a dodgy bounce evaded the Chiefs cover defence and Ndungane, who never took his eye off the ball, flew through and raced 50m to score.
However the Chiefs had the final word, flanker Liam Messam bursting through a tired defence to complete the scoring.
